May 20, 2025 – Last week marked one year since the Chiefs of Ontario (COO) and the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF), the National Government of the Red River Métis, co-hosted the Summit on Indigenous Identity Fraud, a landmark gathering that brought together First Nation, Red River Métis, and Inuit Leadership from several regions across the
(Toronto, Ont.–May 12, 2025) Today, the Chiefs of Ontario, in partnership with the First Nations policed under the Ontario First Nations Police Agreement (OFNPA), are releasing a report highlighting the dire situation faced by First Nations officers in Ontario and the urgent need for increased resources to support their mental health. The study surveyed the
(May 9, 2025–Toronto, Ont.) On Monday, May 12, the Chiefs of Ontario, in partnership with the First Nations policed under the Ontario First Nations Police Agreement, will unveil the results of a first-of-its kind study that highlights the urgent need for increased resources to support the mental health of First Nations officers in Ontario. Independent
(Toronto, Ont.–April 23, 2025) The Chiefs of Ontario have issued the following statement on the urgent need to renew commitments to residential school Survivors: As the federal election enters its final week, the Chiefs of Ontario are calling on the next government to support Survivors, their families and First Nations in their decades-long journeys to
(Toronto, Ont.–April 17, 2025) Chiefs of Ontario is deeply concerned over recent tough-on-crime rhetoric from political leaders at both the provincial and federal levels, including Premier Ford and Conservative Leader Poilievre. Recent commitments such as mandatory minimum sentences and the appointment of judges and justices of the peace who align with these regressive perspectives, reflect
(Toronto, Ont.–April 4, 2025) The Chiefs of Ontario have issued the following statement on the release of the long-delayed expert panel’s report into Métis Nation of Ontario communities: “This new Métis National Council (MNC) report into the validity of Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) communities does not change the positions of either First Nations Leadership
(Toronto, Ont.–Feb. 27, 2025) On March 3, 2025, the Chiefs of Ontario will hold a hybrid media event to discuss collaboration between First Nations and the mining sector during the 2025 Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada Convention (PDAC). Ontario is home to many of the critical resources in Canada. It is also home to
(Caldwell First Nation, Ont.–Feb. 5, 2025) The Chiefs of Ontario and Caldwell First Nation have issued the following joint press release: More than 100 representatives from organizations and First Nations across southern Ontario gathered in Windsor to discuss the repatriation of Ancestors and sacred items that are currently in the care of the provincial government
Warning: This statement contains details of experiences at residential schools. (Toronto, Ont.–Jan. 28, 2025) Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict has issued the following statement on the recent potential discovery of 144 unmarked graves at a former residential school near Asubpeeschoseewagong Netum Anishinabek (Grassy Narrows First Nation): “This month, the Wiikwogaming Tiinahtiisiiwin Project Team, also known as
(Toronto, Ont.–Dec. 20, 2024) The Chiefs of Ontario are deeply concerned that the Survivors’ Secretariat is facing insolvency because the government has broken its funding agreements with the organization. The news was revealed in media reports this week. The federal government must immediately honour its commitments and ensure that there is adequate and sustainable funding
